Extension
It Starts With Us
Developing Leadership and Volunteer Skills for Engagement with Community, Country and World
Leadership Development, Civic Engagement, and Community Pride
Hagler, Klotz, Smith
Leadership
Community Leadership Development
Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
Build Engaged and Empowered Communities – General
The nation is at a time of public discourse and significant conflict. Nelson County’s leaders are predominantly older white males, while the demographics of the county have changed to reflect more diversity.
The recent statewide needs assessment identified Leadership Development, Civic Engagement and Community Pride as a high priority for Cooperative Extension. In Nelson County, 469 respondents ranked 62 community issues on a scale of “very important” to “not important.”?In the community vitality portion of the survey, the community identified the following three priorities:
1.More qualified leaders to prepare community for the future
2.More youth community leadership opportunities
3.More citizens helping to solve local issues
When focus groups were asked about their vision for a vibrant community in Nelson County, they indicated a desire to see a community with progressive leadership and open-minded citizens, where people feel connected and aware of resources (human capital) in the community. Improved infrastructure, facilities for community activities and increased youth development opportunities were also noted.
Youth and adults in Kentucky need programming support to enhance skills for influencing change. Extension can provide educational opportunities that build and nurture effective and engaged adult and youth leaders in and for our communities. Community leaders and citizens will benefit from the use of civic engagement techniques and listening sessions.
Leadership is a needed and important programming emphasis in the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. The Cooperative Extension Service provides opportunities for youth and families to help improve their leadership ability and create a positive impact on their future. Leadership opportunities for youth create a setting that reduces the access of youth to risk factors that can negatively impact their success.
Basic leadership knowledge & skills are essential for success in almost any field. The skills associated with leadership are necessary when working in a group or communicating with others. Employers look for leadership skills in future employees. Developing leadership in the youth and adults who are involved in the Nelson County Cooperative Extension program is a priority.
Communities are equipped with competent, knowledgeable and effective leaders.
Community members engage others to initiate projects.
Civic engagement is possible and desirable for community members.
Communities become more prosperous.
Citizens put skills into practice by becoming more engaged and taking on leadership roles.
Leaders and citizens use improved skills in communication or problem solving in addressing organizational issues and needs.
Graduates of leadership programs initiate civic engagement and move from informal leadership roles into increased involvement/action.
Strategic plans are inclusive and strategies are adopted by communities and organizations.
Increase in diversity of individuals taking on leadership roles.
Youth engage in current and future civic involvement, community service and volunteerism.
Increase knowledge of effective leadership skills.
Develop/enhance the leadership skills of youth and adults.
Citizens are informed about community systems, better connected to communication networks, more confident and skilled in identifying and implementing strategies for systemic change.
Outcome: Increased knowledge of leadership skills
Indicator: Number of individuals attending programs
Method: Retroactive pre-post, 4-H Common Measures
Timeline: Following every leadership training, 6 month follow-up with 5 questions.
Outcome: Increased abilities in communication/problem solving
Indicator: Number of individuals who attend training
Method: Retroactive pre-post, 4-H Common Measures
Timeline: Following any program that includes communication skills training.
Outcome: Citizens (adults and youth) taking new leadership roles,
Indicator: Number of people reporting new leadership roles
Method: observation, Survey and/or interview
Timeline: Post training, 3, 6 and 12 month with survey and/or phone call.
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Leadership Training: Teen Council and Leadership Boards, 4-H Leadership Boot Camp, 4-H Teen Conference, 4-H Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference, 4-H National Congress, 4-H Achievement Program, 4-H National Conference, 4-H Summit, 4-H Camp Counselors, Local Leadership Clubs/Events
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Leadership Development Curriculum
Inputs: Agents, Volunteers, 4-H Specialists
Date: Ongoing
Audience: ANR Clientele and Volunteers
Project or Activity: Ky Agriculture Leadership Program (KALP), Community Innovation Lab, Ky Water Quality Program, County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP) Master Gardener, Master Horseman, Master Grazer, Master Naturalist, Master Woodlands Stewards Program, Master Cattleman, Master Logger, Ky Beef Leadership Forum.
Content or Curriculum: Packaged programs from Specialists, Beef IRM Group,
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, and Volunteers.
Date: Ongoing
Audience: FCS Clientele and Volunteers
Project or Activity: Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association, Master Clothing Volunteers,
Content or Curriculum: KELD Curriculum
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, and Volunteers
Date: ongoing
Audience: Nelson County Extension Homemakers
Project or Activity: KEHA Officer and Chairman Training / County KEHA Kickoff/ Area Kick-off
Content or Curriculum: KEHA Training Toolkit, KEHA Manual, KEHA Website
Inputs: FCS Agents, State Advisors
Date: Annually each fall
Audience: Nelson County Extension Homemakers
Project or Activity: KEHA Leader Training and/or Special Interest Workshops, Creating Welcoming Communities, Roberts Rules of ORder
Content or Curriculum: KELD Curriculum, FCS Extension Lesson Resources, FCS Curriculum
Inputs: FCS Agents, State Advisors
Date: Monthly
Audience: Nelson County Extension Homemakers
Project or Activity: KEHA State Meeting
Content or Curriculum: Officer Training & Educational Chairman Workshops
Inputs: FCS Agents, State Advisors
Date: Annually each spring
Audience: Nelson County Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Capitol Experience
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Civic Engagement Curricula
Inputs: County Agents, 4-H State Specialists, KY 4-H Foundation, Lawmakers, Representatives, Senate Members, State Capitol building
Date: March
Author: Marsha Hagler
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
As their membership ages, the Kentucky Extension Homemakers recognize the challenge that is facing their mission of providing education, community service and leadership development. To address this challenge, the Lincoln Trail Area Extension Homemaker Kick-off program is held annually to build excitement and provide resources for the new program year. In planning for the 2024 event, the LTA Homemakers Council applied, and they were awarded a $500 KEHA Development Grant to sponsor the kick-off.
